Ep 8. The Lies at the Counter

Bartender is a Japanese anime series that revolves around the life of a bartender named Ryu Sasakura. With his exceptional skills and talent, Ryu Sasakura not only serves his customers their favorite drinks but also listens to their problems and offers them solutions. The show showcases how the customers' lives are transformed after they visit Ryu's bar. Each episode of the show explores the lives of the customers who enter Ryu's bar and how he helps them.

In episode 8 of season 1, titled The Lies at the Counter, Ryu Sasakura welcomes a lady named Ayaka into his bar. Ayaka seems to be in a troubled state of mind. Ryu Sasakura recognizes that Ayaka is a liar and helps her come out of her shell. Ayaka is a member of the famous Takami family, a rich and powerful family who have been enemies with Ryu's family for generations. Ayaka has been lying to avoid her responsibilities and her family's expectations, and instead, she has been working as a maid in a hotel.

Ayaka's father is in the hospital, and her family has been pressuring her to take over the family business. However, Ayaka is not interested in the business, and she has been lying to her family about her whereabouts. She tells them that she has been traveling overseas on business, whereas in reality, she has been working as a maid. Ryu Sasakura encourages Ayaka to be honest with her family and tell them about her dreams and aspirations.

The episode explores the theme of family and the expectations that come with it. Ryu Sasakura helps Ayaka understand that it is important to be true to oneself and follow one's dreams. He tells Ayaka that she should not live her life based on the expectations of her family but should find her own path. Ayaka realizes that she needs to confront her family and come out of her shell.

As the night passes, Ryu Sasakura serves Ayaka delicious cocktails while offering her guidance and support. He tells her about his own family's history and how he came to be a bartender. Ayaka gains the courage to finally face her family and tell them about her dreams. Ryu Sasakura and Ayaka share a heartfelt moment, and Ayaka thanks him for his support.

The episode is a beautiful portrayal of how small conversations can have a significant impact on someone's life. Ryu Sasakura uses his skills not only to make delicious cocktails but also to listen to his customers' problems and offer them guidance and support. Through his interactions with Ayaka, Ryu Sasakura helps her find the courage to be true to herself and follow her dreams.

In conclusion, The Lies at the Counter is an emotionally charged episode that explores the theme of family and the expectations that come with it. The episode offers a beautiful portrayal of how a bartender can provide guidance and support, not just by serving drinks, but by listening to his customers and offering them wise counsel. The episode is a must-watch for anyone looking for an emotional and heartwarming story.